Bellevue Mondotte 2005

Chateau Bellevue Mondotte

14 years

This tiny gem of a property, cropped at 15 hectoliters per hectare, is composed of 5 acres of 45-year old Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a tiny parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon. It has produced one of the vintage’s most compelling wines in 2005. Sadly, there are only 4,000 bottles of this inky/purple-hued St.-Emilion. It boasts an extraordinary perfume of graphite, blackberries, cassis, and sweet kirsch intermixed with notes of incense, spice box, licorice, and subtle wood. Stunningly rich with full body, zesty acidity, and high but velvety tannins, the final blend is composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This monumental St.-Emilion requires a decade of cellaring, but it should last for 4-5 decades. It will unquestionably be one of the vintage’s immortals. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2035.

Chateau Bellevue Mondotte is a small wine growing estate based in Saint Emilion, in Bordeaux, France. A mere 2.5 hectares in terms of vineyard size, the output of the winery is accordingly sparse.

Chateau Bellevue Mondotte was acquired by Gerard Perse in 2001, who is also the owner of the esteemed Chateau Pavie. As a result of the harvesting techniques used to produce bottles of this highly regarded fine wine, Chateau Bellevue Mondotte has one of the lowest yields from all the right bank wine estates; roughly 15 hectoliters per hectare.

The fine wine of Chateau Bellevue Mondotte is a powerful wine; many describe it as intense and rich in flavor and substance. The vines are around 45 years of age, planted with 90% merlot, and 5% each of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon.